UAE Real Estate Laws and Regulations

The UAE experienced a tremendous building boom up till 2008 when the financial crisis hit. During that period, foreigners wanting to invest in the UAE were plenty. Today, post financial crisis as the market here is recovering, that appetite to buy new property and lease better property is once again on the rise.

UAE and GCC nationals can own property in the UAE. As a foreigner in the UAE, owning and / or leasing property needs to comply with laws and regulations that change from time to time. That said, in Dubai and the UAE, property law is young and is still taking shape.

In the UAE, each Emirate has developed its own laws. For example, to the best of my knowledge, in Fujairah, foreigners cannot buy property. However in Dubai, foreign ownership of freehold real property is permitted. There are “free-zones” within each Emirate designated for specific use. Each zone is a tax-free jurisdiction and has its own rules and regulations. A company established in a free zone can be 100 per cent owned by foreign nationals and may own freehold interests in real property within that zone.

Choosing the right real-estate agent is crucial to getting the right information, price and ultimate deal. A bit of your own research on what is out there, and what you are willing to spend over how long would also be beneficial.

You don’t have to be in Dubai to buy the property; it is possible for you to give Power of Attorney to a person to handle all the aspects of the purchase on their behalf but it is advisable that they check all the documentation and ensure that everything is clear before signing the deal.

Legalities regarding freehold ownership by non-UAE nationals and non-GCC nationals are ambiguous, as are the practices and procedures for issuing residence visas to expatriate buyers and their families. Some local banks offer mortgage finance to expatriates wanting to buy property in the UAE. It seems that finance can be arranged through overseas banks if you have assets overseas.

It’s in the UAE’s interest to allow buyers to own property and therefore there I have read about two new real estate laws that will improve protection for buyers, investors and landlords – and they are as follows: A buyer can request the courts to cancel a contract if the developer ‘significantly changes’ the agreed specifications, or refuses to deliver the unit without a good reason. Buyers can also seek legal action if developers do not bind payments to approved construction based milestones or the unit is proved unstable due to major structural defects.

The regulations also stop developers from selling off plan units before taking possession, which includes actual control of the land. Leasing accommodation is most common in the UAE. Contracts normally last a year during which the landlords are not permitted to increase the rent, until its time for renewal.

Landlords of leased apartments are normally required to handle the annual maintenance of their property and they are not permitted to evict a tenant without just cause within the tenancy contract time period. All-in-all, the UAE is a great place to live and buy property. However, careful research into laws and regulations in a timely manner is a must.

Start a Home Based Business: Five Tips to Ensure Success

The following tips are relevant for any home-based business as they encourage a business-focused approach. This is important, particularly as many home-based businesses grow out of hobbies.

Space

Allocate appropriate space and organize it for the tasks you have to perform. You need somewhere to work and where you can focus on the tasks to develop and maintain the business. Also, like any job there are times when you may need to get away from it.

Separate Resources

Sharing resources like the telephone offers obvious cost advantages to home-based businesses.

However, separating business and personal resources can make accounting easier and more importantly, protect items that are mission-critical for the business. For example, sharing a computer with the kids should be avoided.

Attitude

The harsh reality for most home-based businesses is there is much to do but often there is only one person to do it.

Therefore, set a work schedule and stick to it. As your own boss you have to manage yourself. Just getting started in the morning can be tough when working from home so maintain a routine. Get up, get showered, get dressed and go get a coffee at Starbucks if that’s how you start your normal working day.

Application

Your job is to run a home-based business so you need to be working at it. You are not the housekeeper, babysitter, gardener or any other form of domestic help, at least, not while you are supposed to be working.

It is easy to slip into this mode, particularly when you have a business task that you do not really relish but this does not pay the bills.

Revenue

Just because the overheads are comparatively low, home-based businesses still have to make money. The business may have grown out of a hobby that hopefully you still enjoy. But remember, it is a business and now needs to generate revenue to cover costs and to thrive. Otherwise, it is still just a hobby and you need to find other means to earn a living.

Success Factors – Keys to Your Home Based Business Success

What are Success FactorsThink of them as building blocks, the more you have the stronger your foundation, the stronger your foundation – the stronger your business!Entering into any home-based business venture is an enormous challenge that will require all your skills and then some. It will take many, out of their comfort zones, and throw them into the twilight.You may have that uncontrollable urge to set up a productive Home-Based Business, and put the results of your productivity in your own pockets, instead of the pockets of others.What is an Entrepreneur An Entrepreneur is simply one who has an idea, organizes, operates, and assumes all risks of their home-based business venture.Most home-based businesses require the same Entrepreneurial Characteristics as any franchisor; it is your concept, your planning, your skills, your knowledge and your implementation of your detailed Business Plan that will determine the success of your home-based business.What are the some Success Factors of a Home-Based Entrepreneur?* Entrepreneurs must be self-motivators and resilient.* Resourceful, able to adapt and adjust,* Knowledgeable about their home-based business venture,* Entrepreneurs are skilled in money management.* They establish realistic, short and long-term goals.* Entrepreneurs are Decisive.Please remember, Home-base Business continues to evolve; both the entrepreneur and success may soon be redefined. In order to succeed in a home-based business, one needs more than heart.Many Home-Base Businesses fail because people fail to investigate and understand the magnitude of what it takes to be in business.You may have to make personal sacrifices. Some quickly become disillusioned when they meet adversity. They frequently set unrealistic goals or believe in the six figures a month stories promoted on TV, and in many articles. The decision to own a home-based business is yours. Your vision can take you through to retirement providing enjoyment and financial security for you and your family.Don’t let fear paralyze you from taking action; denying you the life you deserve. Do you hear that knock on the door? Its success and it’s waiting for you! I am a firm believer that if you want something in life you have to go after it with passion and persistence. So, put the remote down and grab hold of success.In summary we suggest you: remember to think of the success factors mention above as building blocks, the more you have the stronger your foundation, the stronger your foundation – the stronger your business! You can learn the skills needed for these success factors and by doing so you increase your chances at home business success.